Tom Shelstad

Tom was born December 6, 1942, in Swift Current Saskatchewan to Pearl (Reid) & Otto Shelstad, little brother to Vi and Pearl. He was deceased Sunday May 26th following a short battle with cancer at Clover House in Swift Current.

Tom attended elementary and high school in Swift Current graduating in 1961.  He then ventured to Saskatoon to attend University of Saskatchewan and later to U of Regina during the 60’s where he earned a BA in History & Economics and B Ed. 

While working at the Canadian Pacific Railway one summer, to help pay his way through university, Tom found his niche and it paved the way for a twenty-two career with CPR, doing a variety of clerical jobs and yardmaster as well. As Swift Current was a change off point for crews from Medicine Hat and Moose Jaw; Tom had the opportunity to meet all kinds of colorful people.
 Tom was able to take early retirement and giving him time to pursue his interests and hobbies including photography and all things computers. In the ‘80s, he took classes in accounting and computer programming. With these in hand he became proficient in predicting economic models and managing his financial interests.

As his parents aged and needed more assistance Tom became the main caregiver.  He made it possible for them to remain in their home for many years, doing many projects with his dad supervising, helping his mother with many chores and any essential tasks needed. Tom took them on annual fall trips to B.C. to visit his sisters Vi and Pearl, making many memories for them. 
The families of niece’s Nancy & Deb appreciated Uncle Tom’s presence in all of their big moments too: Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, school plays, graduations, weddings etc.  And although those households were a “bit chaotic”, he always came with his positive, cheerful demeanor, hearty laugh, his vast knowledge of history and love for a good crib game (and the turkey of course).

Thomas Shelstad was predeceased by: his parents, Otto and Pearl Shelstad; and his sister Viola Hornung (Anderson/Shelstad). He leaves behind to mourn: His sister Pearl (Wilf) Solanik, nieces; Nancy (Larry) Fox, Deborah (Albert) Hapke, Sandra (Tim) Burrell and nephew Terry Solanik as well as his great nieces & nephews:  Angela Hapke (Brad), Patrick Fox, Daniel (Desi Rae) Fox, Carlina Hapke (Justin), Chris Hapke (Ashley), Kendra Hapke (Julie), Brittany Burell, and 7 great, great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers or cards, donations to the Dr. Noble Irwin Healthcare Foundation would be appreciated.

We would like to thank the staff of the Cypress Regional Hospital Unit 4 for the wonderful care they provided Tom while he was there and the very caring, compassionate Palliative care team at Clover House. The support provided to Tom as well as our families during his last weeks was outstanding!

 Arrangements entrusted to Warren’s Funeral Home.  For further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit the website www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.

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